Comic Relief

On the 18th of March the Comic Relief day is celebrated here in the UK. This concept started more than 20 years ago in a Sudan refuge camp. The idea was simple, to get a whole bunch of comedians to make public laugh while they raised money to help people in need. Then in 1988 this idea or red nose day started and they raise around 15m£ with it. So in that day we can see a lot of people using the funny red noses with different themes. Mine was the pirate nose, Sara got the geek one. :D
The site is http://www.comicrelief.com/ and in the pictures you can see us preparing the day as well as it all started in Sudan...

In 1988 in one of the biggest refuges camp! 

Always ready to help the others! :D

Movie: A morning at the Museum

The other day I decided to take advantage of my spare time and went to visit one of the most famous museums in London: The Natural History Museum of London (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/).

The collection is so large that one morning isn't enough to appreciate it. So, I chose the Red Zone, which is dedicated to the history of our Planet and our relation as Human beings with it. While visiting this part of the museum, I had the feeling I was in an interactive Sciences class, remembering the birth of our Solar System, the evolution of life, the geology of earthquakes and volcanoes (I used to had this wish of becoming a volcanologist...). The gallery also dedicates one part of the exposition to modern times and makes an interesting reflexion about the (over)exploration of the Earth's resources.

But the part that I enjoyed the most was the Orange Zone and it's Darwin investigation centre. It's just one of the most important collections of specimens and where scientist conduct a series of studies about evolutionary theories and discover new species. I even had the opportunity of listening to one of the scientist of the Darwin centre in a lecture about History's important figures for Science. This is located in a new arquitectural structure called "Cocoon" (look at the pictures).

The founder of the museum, a man called Hans Sloan (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/science-of-natural-history/biographies/hans-sloane/index.html), was a remarkable collector and most of the things that you can find on this part of the museum are his legacy. He traveled to Jamaica where he collected the most strangest things, as well as delicious specimens that still today influence us. Yes, I'm talking about the cocoa plant! And yes, I'm a chocolate addict...

I still wish to explore more of the fantastic museum and, of course, take a picture with the famous T-Rex! But this will be a new chapter on the blog :)

Visits from Portugal...part II

In the last weekend of January we had the visit of my mum, aunt Sao and cousin Sandra. First, I went to Kings Cross to pick up my French family (they came via Eurostar) and it seems it was a lucky strike that they came to London! I'll explain: my aunt didn't took the correct documentation and when asked about her ID card, it had expired! But they smiled and the guy at the ticket office was pitty of them, so they managed to pass the French border. Uff! The worst part was when they arrived the English side... They weren't that nice but, in the end, they successfully "landed" their feet in Her Majesty's ground :) Though with one warning: never to travel again without correct documentation! It was quite a laugh when they told me their adventure!

Then, the next stop was to pick up the rest of the family: my mum! She was really concerned that we weren't waiting for her at the airport because she was traveling alone and she doesn't remember the last time she spoke English (Mami, say Maria Carrey!!!). So, there we were, waiting for her at Gatwick airport! All went well and she even got some hints about places to visit and cultural aspects from a guy that fancied my mother during the trip (so charming...!)

They spent the hole weekend visiting the most important monuments and places in London (some of them I haven't visited yet), such as the Big Ben, Tower of London, and of course the important department stores Harrods and the psico-fashion store Abercrombie. Women! :) Because I was working at the restaurant, I couldn't participate in their walk through London but the smiles on their faces were enough for me. And I got my mum's caresses! So good, I missed her so much! Now, I'm expecting the visit from the rest of the family (yes, dad, you need to loose your fear from flying...)! Siss, Bro, you need to come and experience the magical London with me!!!

Subtitles:

1st photo: Me, Joao and my Mum in Harrods, in front of Princess Diana's statue.

2nd photo: two "babes": my Mum on the left and my aunt. Look at their smile!

Back to School!!!!

Like my Bartending mentor used to say, in life focus on a few things and try to be the best!!! Much influenced by american spirit (and training, he lived there for many years) he is in some way right. I simply say, if you want to do something, then do it the right way. 

So, after some months having some bartending  experience I decided to go up the ladder which means for most of skills in life to go for studies. I decided to do the International Bartending Course from the School I was told to be the best around: Shaker UK. http://www.shaker-uk.com/  

Because I did no have holidays in Hospital I had a terrible week because half of the course is theory and studying. I had to know all the origins, fabrication methods, tastes of all spirits and bitter available. Spirits are basically 5: Tequila, Gin , Vodka, Brandy, Rum. Bitters are alcoholic drinks with lots of herbs infusions to "spice" up cocktails. The most famous one is Campari. Made of neutral spirit and infused with orange peels, created in Italy. 

Then we had a lot of practical stuff and the final examination which was tough. I kinda of freezed while preparing a Cosmopolitan. I messed a little on the quantities (50 mls instead of 25 ml for juice) and when doing the great flame my orange peel jumped from my hand to the jury. Well... it couldn't be worse... but in overall I may narrowly pass...(with theory exam) the result takes 3 weeks to come. 

You can see here one of the teachers and also jury doing a perfect Cosmpolitan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWxAlMP52xU

It was an awesome week, very intensive close to the best in the trade. Now I hope to quickly profit from this financial and personal investiment. We'll see...

Lovely different Breezes

During a class day! We had allways to try the drinks.. :D

Practicing the Cosmo Flame

The practical examination!

3 seconds after the peel was on the jury...fuck!!!

Our first visitors!!!!

Very soon after we arrived to this adventure we had our first visitors, Tiago Joana and Rui. As always it was a short visit, but it was enriched with great concerts, The National and Arcade Fire.
I remember meeting my editors friends in a cosy bar in Soho and getting very impressed in cocktail preparation. It was probably one big sparkle for what is yet to come. :D
Happy days they were and hopefully they will visit us in another country.
I expect when coming back from the trip that you have bought Leya already. Rui was also here staying in a old friend of ours, but unfortunately I can't find the pictures of Sara's birthday dinner. Rui you have to come again, pictures are a must.
I still remember this picture as it was yesterday!!!!
See u soon!

Tiago showing his Evil side :D

Free Traveling, so they discovered!!!

Family in Oxford Street

My parents decided to make us a visit to London and in good time they came. Despite beeing a bit cold it was a warming visit that we all knew it would be difficult to finish.

Most of the time in London was spent Underground

 It was the first time in many many years that my parent traveled alone without any fixes planned by travel agencies and without a huge group. And you know what? They loved it!!!
Free traveling is the best feeling ever. They could decide what they wanted to do, they could decide not to do anything or simply walk around the city without having to go to all landmarks.
I think that they understand a little bit more my trip dream....

From the 30th floor of my Hospital

It was great to be altogether again and we had great moments, specially trying to locate restaurants with my Iphone. :D
See you soon!! Luv u guys